Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; April 14, 2020)

Along with states like Bengal and Kerala, Assam, too, is marking the beginning of a New Year today. Bihu, as the Assamese New Year is called, is the state’s biggest festival, celebrated over seven days. Popular singer Papon is conducting a three-day special online concert to celebrate the occasion.

He told BT, “The first three days of Bihu are dedicated to cows, humans and Gods. The remaining four days are for dancers and musicians, who go door-to-door, performing the local folk art. My father, Khagen Mahanta, is known as the Bihu Samrat (King of Bihu) in Assam. It was he who transported Bihu from the fields and courtyards to the stage.”

Speaking about his social media concert, he added, “People are not happy, given the current situation. I feel something like this might uplift their spirit and brighten their lives for a while. I will perform for two hours each on all three days. My friends from Bollywood will join in as well. The concert will also be interactive.”

Papon concluded by saying, “In Assam, the spread of the Coronavirus is not as bad as it is in Mumbai and Delhi, but through this online concert, I want to urge people to stay at home, without losing out on celebrating the festival.”